. >> i ran for president because i thought we needed big changes and i do think in washington it is a little like "american idol," except everybody is simon cowell. >> president obama decided he should hang with jay one more time when he was once again a presidential candidate, this time running for re-election. >> what is a cure for romnesia? >> well, obama care covers pre-existing conditions. if you have a case. the main cure, make sure you vote. >> joining me by phone, the man that spoke with jay leno about today's news, bill carter, national media reporter for "the new york times." bill, you spoke to jay and the story that you've written on it indicates this sounds like an orderly transition. >> that's what they're going for for sure. they have been through a lot of disorderly transitions in their history, and they were leaning the same direction until they got it sort of back on track in the past ten days. basically, jay agreeing to do it, the only way to make a transition work is for the outgoing host to decide yes, it is time for him to leave, same with johnny carson, called hi